So tried my local 10 mile TT route at the weekend.

Calpol

I rode my first ever TT last night at the age of 41. I am a vet apparently! It was 2 laps of a 4.1 mile course. There was quite a headwind in the first half and it was slightly uphill. Felt tough but coming back round again I felt like I was flying! Completed it in 25 minutes, average speed 19.4mph, average heart rate 177bpm max 185. The fastest time was 19 minutes by the club semi pro on a P4. He flew past me on my first lap like he was rocket propelled. I was quite satisfied having never TT before and not knowing the course. Plus I have only really been riding this year with any degree of seriousness. I am glad I did it , it took a bit of bottle as I haven't competed at anything for about 20 years but I overcame a strong fear of failure to do it so all in all quite chuffed. I reckon I can find 30 secs next time but aim to beat 24 mins next year.

pilot_pete

Calpol wrote:

The fastest time was 19 minutes by the club semi pro on a P4. He flew past me on my first lap like he was rocket propelled.

semi-pro? 19 mins for 8.2 miles? That's not quite 26mph average. I suspect either his time is wrong, or your description of him is wrong !!! Even I can go faster than that and I'm not even semi, let alone pro!

Well done on your efforts thus far, you'll soon be spending silly amounts of money on kit like the rest of us! :oops:

PP

Calpol

Pilot Pete wrote:

Calpol wrote:

The fastest time was 19 minutes by the club semi pro on a P4. He flew past me on my first lap like he was rocket propelled.

semi-pro? 19 mins for 8.2 miles? That's not quite 26mph average. I suspect either his time is wrong, or your description of him is wrong !!! Even I can go faster than that and I'm not even semi, let alone pro!

Well done on your efforts thus far, you'll soon be spending silly amounts of money on kit like the rest of us! :oops:

PP

Terminology probably adrift however as he was 25% faster than me and the fastest in the club I was looking for an appropriate description.

Paul E

I haven't done a TT but would like to but got no idea how I would stack up as I only have commutes to go by, it's 11.7 miles and I have done it in 35 mins, with a back pack on and traffic lights etc. Is that a good start point or will I look hopeless??

danowat

Paul E wrote:

I haven't done a TT but would like to but got no idea how I would stack up as I only have commutes to go by, it's 11.7 miles and I have done it in 35 mins, with a back pack on and traffic lights etc. Is that a good start point or will I look hopeless??

Try one and find out, you WILL NOT look hopeless.

snoopsmydogg

danowat wrote:

Paul E wrote:

I haven't done a TT but would like to but got no idea how I would stack up as I only have commutes to go by, it's 11.7 miles and I have done it in 35 mins, with a back pack on and traffic lights etc. Is that a good start point or will I look hopeless??

Try one and find out, you WILL NOT look hopeless.

although may be best to leave the back pack behind when you do it

nickellis

Paul E wrote:

I haven't done a TT but would like to but got no idea how I would stack up as I only have commutes to go by, it's 11.7 miles and I have done it in 35 mins, with a back pack on and traffic lights etc. Is that a good start point or will I look hopeless??

Give it a go, you can already cycle the distance, although there are no traffic lights to hide at. That's what foxed me, after the first mile I was looking around hoping a set of lights would appear!!

Paul E

It's the lights that tire me out having to stop and start, I can sit and spin for ages if I get the speed up and maintain my cadence sweet spot.

Yeah I think the backpack might look a bit out of place ;-)